Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

Welcome to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, affectionately known by locals as the 'Akarenga,' or Red Brick Office. Standing as a grand sentinel in the heart of Sapporo, this building is more than just a piece of…

The exterior of the Akarenga is a study in Victorian-era strength. The central portion is topped by a green octagonal dome, which was originally designed for ventilation but became the building’s most defining aesthetic feature. …

Stepping inside the building, you are greeted by the cool, hushed atmosphere of the grand entrance hall. The interior retains much of its original character, with high ceilings, dark wooden paneling, and polished floors that echo…

In a fascinating blend of history and modern culture, a portion of the building currently houses a laboratory and shop for Shiroi Koibito, Hokkaido’s most famous souvenir cookie. Shiroi Koibito, which means 'White Lover,'…

Exiting through the rear or side doors, you enter the North Garden, a space that feels more like a secluded park than a government plaza. The centerpiece is a large pond, which reflects the red bricks of the building on clear…

One cannot ignore the massive, ancient trees that stand guard around the Akarenga. Some of these specimens date back to the early Meiji period, having survived the urbanization of Sapporo. …

A critical aspect of the history housed within the Akarenga is the story of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The building contains several exhibits and records detailing the complex relationship between the Kaitakushi…

Our scholarly exploration now brings us to a space where culinary artistry meets historical ambiance: the renowned Restaurant House H, situated conveniently within the free zone of the first floor. As a seasoned traveler, I must…

Let us now ascend the grand staircase to the second floor, a space officially designated as the floor of History and Culture. We shall direct our scholarly focus toward the Akarenga Chosha History Room, an expansive exhibition…

Continuing our scholarly exploration of the second floor, we arrive at an exhibition space of paramount cultural significance: the Ainu Culture and History Room. It is impossible to properly understand the history of Hokkaido…

Let us now descend below the bustling surface floors into the quiet, subterranean atmosphere of the basement level, a space purposefully designated as the 'Learning and Succession Floor'. The shift in physical elevation mirrors a…

Before we conclude our extensive tour, I must guide your attention outside to the grounds immediately adjacent to the main red brick structure. Here, we must discuss a very recent, highly dramatic chapter in the history of the…

As you complete your circuit of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, take one last look at the green dome against the sky. This building has stood through fires, earthquakes, and the radical social changes of the last…